Breastfed babies are less likely to die of SIDS.
Sobering statistics. This is important to pass along to new parents out there, so here you go:
In this study researchers adjusted the data to control for the effect of socioeconomic status and suggested a mechanism which could explain a causal relationship between breastfeeding and SIDS-prevention. Most infants who die of SIDS are between two and four months old. At this age, maternal acquired immunoglobulin G is low and the infant has not yet begun to produce large amounts of its own immunoglobulin. Breastmilk contains immunoglobulin and cytokines, which may help stave off infections which are believed to contribute to SIDS. It has also been shown that breastfed infants are more easily aroused than formula-fed babies, another mechanism which could help prevent SIDS.
As a former LLL leader I know what hard work it can be for moms to juggle breastfeeding and work/family/life, or sometimes even establish breastfeeding. But the health benefits are overwhelming. It’s worth it!
